Craft Instructor - AOE International - Illinois Department of Corrections Returning Residents Program

Description AOE International is a non-profit organization focused on community support and development, with a strong emphasis on workforce development and education . We partner with various organizations to address social needs, including poverty, access to resources, and educational opportunities. We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Craft Instructor to provide career support services for our program participants. The Craft Instructor delivers hands-on, in-person training leading to NCCER Core credential attainment and the OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR certifications for justice-impacted learners within the Vienna Correctional Center. The role blends practical skills instruction, strict safety/tool-control, and culturally responsive teaching tailored to adult learners preparing for reentry and employment in clean-energy and related trades. Key Responsibilities Instruction & Curriculum

• Deliver NCCER Core modules (Orientation to the Construction Trades; Basic Safety; Construction Math; Hand/Power Tools; Construction Drawings; Communication; Employability; Material Handling), with lecture, demonstration, and hands-on labs.
• Teach and proctor OSHA-10 General Industry/Construction content per authorized-trainer requirements; prepare learners for the

DOL OSHA-10

card.

• Provide First Aid/CPR instruction and skills checks leading to recognized certification (e.g., American Heart Association, American Red Cross).
• Align lesson plans, tasks, performance profiles, and assessments to credential standards and the Clean Jobs bridge-program outcomes (essential employability skills + safety).
• Prepare printed packets/assignments for continuity of learning during facility lockdowns. Safety, Security & Tool Control
• Implement strict tool/equipment inventory and control procedures; maintain secure storage (crib closets/cages) and daily logs.
• Enforce all IDOC and program safety rules (PPE, housekeeping, incident reporting) and model safe work practices at all times.
• Maintain an OSHA-compliant training environment and respond to emergencies per facility protocol. Learner Support & Equity
• Use adult-learning and trauma-informed, strengths-based strategies; scaffold math/reading as needed; provide tutoring and make-up sessions.
• Embed essential employability skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, workplace professionalism) throughout labs and scenarios.
• Monitor progress against NCCER performance profiles; provide timely feedback, re-testing opportunities, and individualized support plans. Coordination & Compliance
• Coordinate daily with facility staff on schedules, participant movement, room utilization, and safety checks; maintain constant instructor presence during instructional hours.
• Complete required attendance, assessment, and credentialing documentation; support data entry for performance reporting.
• Support transition services (resume touch-points, mock interviews) in collaboration with program staff prior to release; contribute to warm handoffs to external partners.
• Participate in required professional development and technical assistance sessions. Requirements
• NCCER Certified Craft Instructor (CCI) (current) with verifiable experience delivering NCCER Core and completing Performance Profiles.
• OSHA Authorized Trainer (Construction or General Industry) eligible to issue OSHA-10 cards.
• First Aid/CPR Instructor certification (AHA, ARC, or equivalent) or ability to obtain within 60 days.
• 3+ years teaching or journey-level field experience in construction/crafts, energy, or facilities trades (or equivalent combination).
• Demonstrated success teaching adult learners; ability to differentiate instruction and assess skills for credential attainment. Preferred Qualifications
• Experience teaching in carceral or reentry settings; familiarity with the Vienna Correctional Center environment and procedures.
• Experience integrating employability skills and coaching justice-impacted learners toward job readiness.
• Bilingual abilities; lived experience or prior service with justice-impacted communities.